Can my dog get hay fever or a pollen allergy?
With summer in full swing and tropical temperatures expected again in Belgium, grass pollen levels are high. Do you notice your dog scratching, licking, or having red eyes more often? Then there's a good chance they're suffering from a pollen allergy. We explain how to recognize and alleviate it.
📌 In short
- Yes, dogs can get a pollen allergy (atopy), especially during pollen season from spring to late summer.
- In dogs, this usually manifests through the skin: itching, scratching, licking, and red patches – less through sneezing.
- Common affected areas: paws, belly, armpits, ears, and snout.
- Regular brushing and keeping the coat clean reduces pollen on the skin.
- For persistent symptoms, a visit to the vet is necessary.
By the SmartPaw editorial team · facts checked by veterinarians and official sources · Published July 26, 2026 · Last updated July 26, 2026
Can dogs get pollen allergies?
Yes. Just like humans, dogs can have an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, and weeds. This is called atopic dermatitis or atopy. Unlike humans, dogs usually don't sneeze, but primarily react through their skin.
How do I recognize a pollen allergy in my dog?
The clearest signs are itching and skin irritation. Look for excessive scratching, licking or biting at the paws, red or inflamed skin, recurring ear infections, and watery eyes. The symptoms often recur seasonally.
| Symptom | What to look for? |
|---|---|
| Itching and scratching | Paws, belly, armpits, snout |
| Licking paws | Brownish-red discoloration of the coat |
| Red/inflamed skin | Bald patches, scabs |
| Ear problems | Head shaking, odor, redness |
What can I do myself to relieve my dog?
Limit contact with pollen and keep the coat clean. Wipe the paws and coat after walks, preferably walk early in the morning or late in the evening when pollen concentration is lower, and brush your dog regularly to remove pollen and loose hairs.
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💡 Tip: Make sure your dog always has fresh, cool water in warm weather. Dehydration makes the skin more sensitive. Combine pollen care with sufficient hydration.
⚠️ When to see the vet?
If your dog keeps scratching, develops wounds, or has recurring ear infections? Go to the vet. Only they can diagnose an allergy and prescribe appropriate medication. Never give human medication yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs sneeze with a pollen allergy?
Rarely. In dogs, a pollen allergy mainly manifests through itching and skin complaints, not through sneezing like in humans.
During which period is a pollen allergy worst?
Usually from spring to late summer, when grass and weed pollen peaks. In warm summers, this can last longer.
Does brushing help against a pollen allergy?
It doesn't cure the allergy, but it does remove pollen from the coat, which reduces skin irritation. Also read shedding in summer.
Can a pollen allergy go away on its own?
Symptoms decrease outside the season, but the predisposition remains. Discuss a long-term approach with your vet. See also recognizing and treating allergies in dogs.
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) about the summer of 2026.
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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